asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether there is a danger of immediate loss of employment for Aer Lingus operatives should the present impasse on US landing facilities continue; and whether any possibility of saving the jobs of all concerned both at Shannon and Dublin still exists.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - US Airlines Landing Rights.
21.
Mr. O'Leary
On 18th August, 1971, the United States served notice under the Air Transport Agreement of the withdrawal of Aerlínte landing rights at New York. The withdrawal would come into effect on 18th August, 1972.
There is no danger of any immediate loss of employment in Aerlínte arising out of the US action. It is the Government's hope that a satisfactory settlement will be reached in good time before the American action would become effective.
Is the Minister aware that the big travel agencies in the States, whose block bookings which commenced two months ago and who account for a great deal of the tourist traffic coming in here are assuming that this dispute will take its logical course and that Aer Lingus carriers will not be landing in New York? If this dispute continues surely jobs are at this moment being potentially lost.
I am very well aware of the problem and I am very concerned about it.
Has the Minister considered the representations of the civil aviation group of unions who have asked that we should retaliate and prevent American airlines from landing here? I know it is a feeble response but at least it is a response if we are serious about maintaining our rights.
That has been considered by the Government. It is a question of reality in the matter. We do not want to cut off our nose to spite our face. The indications are that if we take that sort of action we may not have landing rights in either Boston or Chicago. This is the sort of politic world in which we have to operate at the moment.
Could I suggest that the Minister go to the United States to discuss it?
Indeed, that could happen.
Has it occurred to the Minister?
Indeed, it has.
The Minister is waiting until St. Patrick's Day.
Our tourist trade is being affected now, bookings are falling back.
Something urgent must be done.
I agree this is a very serious problem. We are in a negotiating position and Ireland's interests are the paramount consideration.